Interview: sumthin sumthin On Staying Ahead Of The Game

This week we are speaking all things music with the immensely skilled artist sumthin sumthin, who regularly releases through Quality Goods Records, and has just made a sick remix for UZ.

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us! Do you remember what first got you into making music in the beginning?

No worries! My dad first started bringing me to various random concerts when I was around 5-6 (mostly punk rock shows). This led to a huge curiosity not only in music, but entertainment in general. My mom however was the one who taught me how to play my first song on piano when I was around 8 years old, from there I found that I had an ear for music and started teaching myself guitar and piano, learning other people’s music then eventually writing my own around the age of 10.

How do you feel your sound and influences have changed along the way, and are they constantly evolving?

I feel like as I grow up and experience more, my music and what I choose to listen to or vibe with will constantly be changing. I used to be really hard on myself about music and production until I just let my mind go, and started tapping into what makes me happiest in any given moment. Sometimes I’ll listen to heavy bass music, other days you’ll find me driving to classical music or jazz. It all depends on the moment I’m in.

What would you say your style is all about?

My style is all about giving the listener some sort of new plateau to see things, whether in music or even in life; if I can open up a mind in any way, I have achieved most of what I’m working towards. This is where sound design becomes so interesting to me, I love trying to create new sounds that we haven’t heard because it’s like traveling to a place of our mind we haven’t yet explored, or a place we have just forgotten about.

Which tunes are you particularly feeling right now?

LEISURE – ‘Money’

Bear Cubs – ‘Underwaterfall’

Mac Demarco – ‘Still Beating’

GOLDWATER – ‘Intentions’

Anomolie – ‘Velours’

What did you enjoy about making a new remix for UZ? How does it feel to be working alongside him at Quality Goods Records?

This was a really fun project to be a part of. UZ was one of the first trap artists I had ever heard of/been inspired by, so being able to do a remix for him was amazing! I love QGR and the whole team they have right now, it’s awesome to see the support for this type of experimental music.

You dropped an amazing EP this year – can we expect more from you in 2018?

Absolutely! So much amazing music coming out in 2018 – I cannot wait.

What have been the most fun parts of the year for you?

This year has been so rad, some of the most fun has been connecting with people in different places around the country/world with a similar passion about music, or just life in general. I get so stoked when anyone knows my music outside of the few friends I have from home. Aside from that it’s just been so fun playing shows and getting to travel to do what I love, I’ve learned so much this year so far!

If you could give a producer just starting out one piece advice, what would it be?

Love yourself completely and don’t think too much about the end product! Get addicted to creating, not the success.

What do you most want to achieve next year, and why?

I don’t have anything specific in mind, but next year I want to create the most I’ve ever created, put my head down and start working at something bigger/more emotional – something I’m not too sure I even know about yet, haha. Most of this journey has been so unpredictable in the best way, and I have so much gratitude for everything that has happened and everyone who’s been a part of it, so honestly I just want to keep making music and see where it takes me!